The first ever Fisherrow Beach Fun Day took place on Sunday 15th June and provided a varied programme of sports, games and activities for more than 100 children and their parents. The event was organised by the Fisherrow Waterfront group, which is a registered charity and community action group set up to promote the facility and use of Musselburgh’s harbour, prom and each area.
The group have already successfully had the ‘back sands’ designated as a bathing beach and the free fun day was designed to introduce the local community to their beach as a useful amenity and sporting venue.
Beach volleyball took centre stage, with equipment and coaching expertise supported by the Scottish Volleyball Association. Beach volleyball was of most interest to children ranged from 8 – 12 years (once they had completed their competitive sandcastle entries!) Volunteer coaches Jamie Salvin and Jen Thom introduced some basic skills, leading into informal play and knew exactly how best to engage the enthusiastic beginners. Balls were still flying over the net as the organisers took down the nets at the end of the afternoon.
As well as beach volleyball, football and rugby also hosted sessions on the beach. There was a ranger led waterfront walk, pavement drawing and mussel shell jewellery, costal rowing, promenade busking, sandcastles and a highly competitive tug-o-war. The boats of Fisherrow Yacht Club set sail with the high tide for their annual regatta to complete a fun and active day on Fisherrow Backsands.
If any local SVA club is interested in offering regular volleyball in the Musselburgh area the Fisherrow Waterfront Group would be happy to help with some local introductions.